WildSafeBC asks residents to remain Wildlife Aware through winter

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

From WildSafeBC Central Okanagan

Thursday, Nov. 24, 2022

Bears are almost all denned up for the winter, and the WildSafeBC Central Okanagan Program is winding down for the year.

While bears may soon be in their dens, many other animals do not hibernate; so, residents should become familiar with other wildlife that may pass through and how to prevent conflicts.

Immediately report sightings of bears, wolves and cougars in urban, residential areas, or wildlife in conflict, directly to the Conservation Officer Service at 1-877-952-7277. Visit wildsafebc.com and follow their Facebook page for updates, tips, and other information to assist you in keeping wildlife wild and your community safe!

WildSafeBC’s goal is to prevent conflict with wildlife through education, collaboration, and community solutions.

Local coordinator, Lauren, works with the community to prevent negative outcomes for wildlife and for people by providing conflict-reduction strategies and information to residents, visitors, and businesses. Education outreach includes attending community events, tagging garbage bins, canvassing door-to-door, raising wildlife awareness, providing safety presentations, hosting bear spray workshops, and giving WildSafe Ranger presentations at schools.

WildSafeBC Central Okanagan thanks the City of West Kelowna, Westbank First Nation, District of Peachland, the Regional District of Central Okanagan, the British Columbia Conservation Foundation and the BC Ministry of Environment and Climate Change Strategy for their funding and partnership support.

About British Columbia Conservation Foundation:

The British Columbia Conservation Foundation (BCCF) is a not-for-profit organization. The BCCF’s mission is to promote and assist in the conservation of the fish and wildlife resources of the Province of British Columbia through the protection, acquisition or enhancement of fish and wildlife habitat.